Haredi Draft Dodger Punches Police Officer and Barricades in Beitar Illit Yeshiva
A haredi draft dodger allegedly punched an officer in Beitar Illit, sparking a tense standoff and clashes as dozens of yeshiva students barricaded themselves inside.
A haredi draft dodger allegedly punched a police officer in Beitar Illit, leading to a tense standoff as dozens of yeshiva students barricaded themselves inside the building to prevent his arrest. Etzion police officers responded to a call regarding a heavily intoxicated individual disturbing the public order and attacking passersby during the Simchat Torah celebrations.
According to police reports, another intoxicated individual arrived at the scene and began attacking officers. While authorities identified the attacker as a suspect in assault and public disturbance, community members claimed the man is a military deserter. Following his detention, the suspect and dozens of students barricaded themselves inside the yeshiva, which police described as spreading false claims about a routine military draft enforcement operation.
Additional police forces were deployed to the scene to restore public order as tensions escalated. Meanwhile, local rabbis reportedly urged followers not to yield and to take to the streets in protest. During the ensuing clashes, a police vehicle's tire was punctured and a garbage bin was set on fire.
